With Paarl Gym losing to Drostdy in their final match of the season, they lost the top spot to Affies, who are crowned the Schoolboy Derby 1st XV of the year.

While the Pretoria-based school lost to Waterkloof and Paul Roos, they have beaten the in-from powers in Gimmies, Boishaai and Grey Bloem, taking their record to 15 wins from 17 matches.

Gimmies are still placed above Paarl Boys’ as they beat the latter three weeks ago in Faure Street.

SCHOOLBOY DERBY TOP 15:
1 Affies
2 Paarl Gym
3 Paarl Boys’
4 Grey Bloem
5 Noord–Kaap
6 Outeniqua
7 Dale
8 KES
9 Centurion
10 Waterkloof
11 Michaelhouse
12 Paul Roos
13 Grey PE
14 Garsfontein
15 Wynberg
Close behind: Boland Landbou, Maritzburg College, Daniel Pienaar, SACS, Kempton Park, Monnas, Glenwood, Drostdy.

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While the schoolboys from Bloemfontein only lost three matches and were unbeaten at home this season, it was their worst 1st XV run in six years.

Their defeat to Paarl Gym at the Kearsney Easter Festival was their first loss in three years (they lost 9-3 to Paul Roos in 2009), and also lost to Affies and Paarl Boys’ thereafter. The last time Grey Bloem lost three games in one year was in 2006.

That was the same year current 1st XV head coach Ingo Machts took over the reigns.

‘Every team goes through a rough patch … it’s impossible to dominate every season,’ Machts told keo.co.za’s Schoolboy Derby. ‘I was very happy with our win over Paul Roos, who can beat any of the top South African schools on their day. They had an inconsistent season, but they’re still a quality outfit.

‘We lost concentration when we held a 30-9 lead in the second half and Paul Roos came back well, but it was still a good finish to a tough season.’

Machts has had a successful tenure as Grey Bloem 1st XV head coach. He’s been in charge of the side since 2006. During this time, 123 matches have been played and they have only suffered seven defeats. That’s a winning percentage of 95%. He is also the team manager of the Free State U21 squad.

Machts believes Grey Bloem will become a dominant force in 2014.

‘The big positive is that seven boys of this year’s 1st XV will be available next year. So there will be some continuity and we should have a better season in 2013. But we are going through a rebuilding phase and I think we will be a strong team within two years time.’

By Gareth Duncan

WESTERN CAPE

Bishops 3 SACS 24
Paarl Boys’ 61 Drostdy 18
Wynberg 24 Rondebosch 12
Outeniqua 45 Daniel Pienaar 22
Boland Landbou 38 Oakdale 19

EASTERN CAPE

Queen’s 28 Dale 0

UP NORTH

Grey Bloem 33 Paul Roos 23

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WESTERN CAPE

The Western Cape school scene is the only one still going at full flow. The major games will see the four southern suburb powers tackle each other as Bishops take on SACS and Wynberg duel Rondebosch.

Paarl Gym host Brackenfell and Paarl Boys’ face Drostdy, who upset Paul Roos two weeks ago.

Fixtures:
Bishops vs SACS
Oakdale vs Boland Landbou
Paarl Gym vs Brackenfell
Paarl Boys’ vs Drostdy
Wynberg vs Rondebosch

EASTERN CAPE

While most of the top schools in the region have ended their seasons, there is one last derby for Dale and Queen’s as they collide in Queenstown on Saturdauy.

Fixtures:
Queen’s vs Dale

UP NORTH

Paul Roos travel up to Bloemfontein to take on Grey in an annual interschools derby.

Fixtures:
Grey Bloem vs Paul Roos

The two schools were supposed clash on Saturday in Durban, but the schoolboys from Bloemfontein were forced to pull out because of the dangerous weather conditions.

Grey Bloem were supposed to leave earlier this week, but road closures on the M3 and the snowfall up north saw them cancel the trip.

‘It’s disappointing to pull out, because we were looking forward to match against Glenwood,’ Grey Bloem 1st XV head coach Ingo Machts told Schoolboy Derby. ‘But the conditions up here are really dangerous, so we’ve had to call off the game.

‘We’ll now focus on our annual interschools derby against Paul Roos next weekend.’

By Gareth Duncan

WESTERN CAPE

Paarl Boys’ 9 Paarl Gym 16
Bishops 16 Wynberg 25
SACS 26 Rondebosch 6
Paul Roos 11 Drostdy 12
De Kuilen 10 Boland Landbou 55
Hugenote 39 Brackenfell 11
Strand 23 Durbanville 13
Outeniqua 68 Oudtshoorn 14

EASTERN CAPE

Hangklip 3 Queen’s 43
Selborne 7 Dale 12
Die Brandwag 29 Nico Malan 32
Cambridge 7 Stirling 26
Grey PE 35 Framesby 29
St Andrew’s 47 Muir 17
Daniel Pienaar 19 Marlow 19

KZN

Glenwood 27 Mariztburg College 27

UP NORTH

Pretoria Boys’ 20 Affies 36
Grey Bloem 58 Kearsney 10
Middelburg 25 Garsfontein 25
Monument 25 HTS Middleburg 8
Rustenburg 31 Kempton Park 24
Waterkloof 46 EG Jansen 21
KES 82 Parktown Boys’ 3
Diamantveld 46 Jeppe 10

WESTERN CAPE

The Paarl derby will steal the spotlight this weekend as Boishaai and Gimmes clash in the arguable the biggest 1st XV match of the year.

In other fixtures, there are two major southern suburb matches as Bishops tackle Wynberg and SACS take on Rondebosch. Paul Roos also travel to Drostdy.

Fixtures:
Paarl Boys’ vs Paarl Gym
Bishops vs Wynberg
SACS vs Rondebosch
Paul Roos vs Drostdy
Bellville vs Stellenberg
De Kuilen vs Boland Landbou
Strand vs Durbanville

EASTERN CAPE

Selborne and Dale will feature in the big Eastern Cape clash of the weekend. Dale will hope to continue their impressive run this year, after edging Selborne earlier this year.

Grey PE will hope to return to winning ways against Framesby, while Queen’s and St Andrew’s face Hangklip and Muir respectively.

Fixtures:
Hangklip vs Queen’s
Selborne vs Dale
Brandwag vs Nico Malan
Cambridge vs Stirling
Grey PE vs Framesby
St Andrew’s vs Muir
Port Rex vs Hudson Park

KZN

The Green Machine and Maritzburg College will battle it out to clinch the top KZN school tag of 2012. While both schools have been inconsistent, they have been two of the more successful schools in the east coast region.

Fixtures:
Glenwood vs Mariztburg College

UP NORTH

There will be a second Pretoria derby when Affies visit Pretoria Boys’. Affies will be confident of victory after a comprehensive victory earlier in the year. KES also take on Parktown Boys’.

Fixtures:
Pretoria Boys’ vs Affies
Duineveld vs Upington
Monument vs HTS Middleburg
Rustenburg vs Kempton Park
KES vs Parktown Boys’

The annual Grey derby was played in a rainy Port Elizabeth over the weekend, which forced the teams to play a conservative brand of rugby. However, it was the schoolboys from Blomfontein who faired better as they executed a superior kicking game.

After leading 8-0 at half-time, Grey Bloem ran in two converted tries for victory. Hosts Grey PE only managed a solitary penalty.

Grey PE 1st XV head coach Rory Duncan conceded that the victors were the better team on the day.

‘We both came out wanting to deliver the same tactics, which was a kicking game.’ Duncan told Schoolboy Derby. ‘But they did it better than us. I think we were strong up front, but their tries came from chips and hacks into spaces, and they finished their opportunities.

‘It’s a disappointing result, but we still have two games left to play before our season finishes. We need to beat Framesby and Selborne over the next two weeks – that’s non-negotiable.’

Grey Bloem have now won 12 of their 15 games this season. Grey PE have won eight of their 12 fixtures.

By Gareth Duncan

WESTERN CAPE

Paul Roos 26 Bishops 10
Boland Landbou 49 Bellville 8
Paarl Gym 38 Rondebosch 8
Paarl Boys’ 12 Wynberg 6
SACS 18 Drostdy 19
De Kuilen 24 Tygerberg 19
Outeniqua 39 Framesby 8

EASTERN CAPE

Grey PE 3 Grey Bloem 22
Marlow 10 Oakdale 39
Dale 22 St Andrew’s 20
Queen’s 26 Selborne 17
Stirling 8 Hudson Park 41
Union 21 Grens 5
Cambridge 21 Port Rex 10

UP NORTH

Jeppe 28 KES 13
Affies 28 Glenwood 10
Pretoria Boys’ 26 Maritzburg College 25
Duineveld 16 Sentraal 10

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If there ever was a chance for Grey PE to break their eight-year losing streak to arch rivals Grey Bloem, Saturday would be their best chance.

They haven’t beaten the Bloemfontein school since 2004, which saw them celebrate  a 17-14 win. They then struggled in the next seven derbies as Grey Bloem dominated the South African 1st XV scene.

However, this year, Grey Bloem have struggled according to their own high standards. Without any individual stars, they have suffered three losses this year against Paarl Gym (45-29), Affies (35-29) and Paarl Boys’ (28-18). All these defeats have occurred on the road.

Grey PE have been inconsistent this season, but will be confident with home-ground advantage. The hosts’ 1st XV head coach Rory Duncan believes they’re in a good position to achieve victory.

‘This will be my third Grey derby, but my first as a coach,’ Duncan told keo.co.za’s Schoolboy Derby. ‘In my first 1st XV year in 1994, we beat them in PE. We then lost in Bloemfontein in 1995. This could be third time lucky.

‘We won’t underestimate Grey Bloem. They are a very strong side and still have a respectable record this season. But we can’t ignore the fact that they are beatable this year and we will do what we can to win. The forwards battle will be vital, but we could see both teams run the ball. It will be an interesting battle.’

Grey Bloem 1st XV head coach Ingo Machts echoed Duncan’s sentiments.

‘Like us, they’ve done well to play a style of 15-man rugby. They like to spread the ball wide to their dangerous wings,’ said Machts. ‘I was happy with our win over Pretoria Boys’ last weekend, but we’ll need to improve on our defence if we want to win.

‘Grey PE have been inconsistent, but they had a brilliant start to the season and are a good side if they play to their potential. If they deliver a strong performance, we could be in trouble.’

With SA Schools trials happening on Saturday in Kempton Park, both teams will lose a key player. Grey Bloem will be without eighthman Edward Schmidt, while Grey PE will lose star speedster Sergeal Petersen.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm.

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WESTERN CAPE

Rondebosch and Wynberg have a tough weekend ahead as they tackle the powers from Paarl, Gimmies and Boshaai respectively. The Paul Roos-Bishops encounter should be an exciting one, while SACS also take on Drostdy.

Fixtures:
Paul Roos vs Bishops
Boland Landbou vs Bellville
Paarl Gym vs Rondebosch
Paarl Boys’ vs Wynberg
SACS vs Drostdy
Durbanville vs Brackenfell
De Kuilen vs Tygerberg
Monument vs DF Malan
Strand vs Hugenote

EASTERN CAPE

The Grey derby in PE will attract plenty of attention, but their will be another big game when Queen’s face Selborne. Marlow also host Oakdale, while Dale duel against St Andrew’s.

Fixtures:
Grey PE vs Grey Bloem
Marlow vs Oakdale
Gill vs Cradock
Dale vs St Andrew’s
Queen’s vs Selborne
Stirling vs Hudson Park

UP NORTH

Two major KZN schools travel up north this weekend as Glenwood visit Affies while Maritzburg College go to Preroria Boys’. Jeppe and KES also clash in big schoolboy game.

Fixtures:
Jeppe vs KES
Affies vs Glenwood
Pretoria Boys’ vs Maritzburg College
Middelburg vs Menlopark

WESTERN CAPE

Bishops 16 Tygerberg 12
Boland Landbou 30 Wynberg 12
Paarl Gym 17 Outeniqua 17
Oakdale 7 Paarl Boys’ 22
SACS 3 Paul Roos 12
Rondebosch 12 Drostdy 5

EASTERN CAPE

St Andrews 38 Marlow 20
Daniel Pienaar 18 Grey PE 14
Queen’s 52 Port Rex 10
Adelaide 22 Grens 5
Selborne 20 Hudson Park 7
Die Brandwag 31 Despatch 10

KZN

Maritzburg College 7 Affies 33
Glenwood 33 Kirkhan Grammar (UK) 5

UP NORTH

Grey Bloem 29 Pretoria Boys’ 16
Centurion 31 Zwartkop 15
Monument 23 Florida 18
Waterkloof 61 Garsfontein 35
Middelburg 25 Middelburg HTS 16
Jim Fouche 45 Louis Botha 5
Sentraal 27 Diamantveld 19
Noord-Kaap 21 Framesby 13

WESTERN CAPE

Paarl Gym and Outeniqua will face off in the major clash in the region. The No 1-ranked school in the country will come up against a side that had a large contingent in this year’s SWD U18 Craven Week squad.

In other games, Paarl Boys’ tackle Oakdale while SACS will come up against Paul Roos.

Fixtures:
Bishops vs Tygerberg
Boland Landbou vs Wynberg
Paarl Gym vs Outeniqua
Oakdale vs Paarl Boys’
SACS vs Paul Roos
Bellville vs Bellville Tech
Rondebosch vs Drostdy
DF Malan vs Brackenfell

EASTERN CAPE

With Dale enjoying a bye, Grey PE will face Daniel Pienaar and Saints duel against Marlow.

Fixtures:
St Andrews vs Marlow
Daniel Pienaar vs Grey PE

KZN

The Maritzburg College-Affies match will be the highlight of the weekend and it will be televised on SS5 at 5pm. There will also be a match between Glenwood and touring Kirkhan Grammar

Fixtures:
Maritzburg College vs Affies
Glenwood vs Kirkhan Grammar (UK)

UP NORTH

Grey Bloem return to action against Pretoria Boys’. Kempton Park will also come up against EG Jansen in the Valke schools final.

Fixtures
Grey Bloem vs Pretoria Boys’
Kempton Park vs EG Jansen
Centurion vs Zwartkop
Waterkloof vs Garsfontein

As expected, the U18 Craven Week unofficial champions have the most players in the squad. WP have eight representatives, while the Golden Lions have six. KZN (four), EP (three), Border (one), Boland (four), the Valke (two), SWD (two), Griffons (one), Pumas (one) and Free State (two) also have schoolboys picked.

This squad will play a set of trials from 28 July, before being reduced to a final group of 28 players. The SA Schools team will play in the three U18 internationals against Wales, France and England.

50-man SA Schools trials squad - Bongile Nonkontwana (Blue Bulls), Aidon Davis (EP), Akhona Sihunu (Border), Caswell Khoza (Blue Bulls), Chad Solomon (WP), Chris Massyn (Golden Lions), Christiaan Meyer (Valke), Courtney Cupido (Boland), Daniel du Preez (KZN), Dayan van der Westhuizen (Blue Bulls), Duhan van der Merwe (SWD), Dylon Smith (Golden Lions), Edward Schmidt (Free State), Francois Esterhuizen (Boland), Ganfried May (SWD), Gideon Koegelenberg (Boland), Handre Pollard (WP), Heinrich Viljoen (Blue Bulls), Hyron Andrews (Blue Bulls), Jako van der Walt (Golden Lions), Jano Venter (Pumas), Jason Worrall (WP), JD Schickerling (WP), Jean-Luc du Preez (KZN), Jesse Kriel (KZN), Johan Bannink (Blue Bulls), Johan Labuschagne (Valke), Jurie Linde (Blue Bulls), Justin Philips (Blue Bulls), Koch Marx (Golden Lions), Leighton van Wyk (WP), Liam Hendricks (WP), Malcolm Marx (Golden Lions), Marcus Kleinbooi (Blue Bulls), Matjikinyane Molapo (Blue Bulls), Nicholas Janse van Resnburg (Blue Bulls), Ox Nche (Free State), Pierre Schoeman (Blue Bulls), Ramone Samuels (WP), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Blue Bulls), Rynard Snyman (Griffons), Ryno Eksteen (Blue Bulls), Sandile Kubeka (KZN), Selwyn Davids (EP), Sergeal Petersen (EP), Stephan Vermeulen (Golden Lions), Thabo Mabuza (Blue Bulls), Warrick Galant (SWD), Wesley Adonis (WP), Wilco Louw (Boland).

By Gareth Duncan, in Port Elizabeth

EP kept their unbeaten record with an impressive 27-24 comeback win over KZN.

KZN geld a 12-6 lead at the break, and were ahead 24-20 during the dying stages. However, wing Sergeal Petersen scored a great individual try to secure victory for the host union.

In other results, WP eased to 29-14 win over the Pumas, with flyhalf Dennis Cox and fullback Jason Worrall scoring a brace apiece, while Free State claimed a 30-5 victory over the Valke.

Results (Final Day):
Namibia 28 (7) Zimbabwe 7 (0)
SWD 20 (13) Boland 10 (7)
Griffons 34 (24) Griquas Country Districts 5 (5)
WP 29 (17) Pumas 14 (7)
Border 7 (0) Limpopo 20 (10)
EP Country Districts vs Leopards – match canceled
KZN 24 (12) EP 27 (6)
Free State 30 (13) Valke 5 (5)

It was a one-side contest, with the Bulls running in five tries to seal their second consecutive triumph of the tournament. Two of them were score via massive tighthead prop Johan Bannink (who weighs 130kg and and stands at 1.89m), who powered over from lose range on two occasions. TWing Marquit September, scrumhalf George-Lee Erasmus and flyhalf Ryno Eksteen also crossed the chalk.

Eksteen’s influence was pivotal in the win, especially with the boot. He kicked four conversions and a penalty to take the game away from the Pumas. While the Bulls forwards were also dominant, he spearheaded a backline that ran rampant at full force.

This saw the victors dominate the first half to lead 24-3 at the break. The Pumas opened the scoring via the boot of flyhalf Brandon Thomson, but it was all Bulls thereafter. Wing Marquit September finished smartly out wide to sneak in at the corner, while Bannick sniped the fringes to dive over under the posts. The Garsfontein front-rower then crashed over from a quick penalty tap on the stroke of half-time.

The game died down in the second stanza, with both teams guilty of errors on attack. But finishes from Erasmus and Eksteen was enough for the win. The Pumas grabbed a consolation via flank Willandre Kotzenberg.

This result will see the Bulls take on the Golden Lions in the unofficial final on Saturday.

Blue Bulls – 15 Jaco Hayward (Centurion), 14 Marcus Kleinbooi (Affies), 13 Jurie Linde (Affies), 12 Rohan Jansen van Rensburg (Waterkloof), 11 Caswell Khoza (Southdowns), 10 Ryno Eksteen (Affies), 9 Justin Phillips (Waterkloof), 8 Steven Meiring (Affies), 7 Heinrich Viljoen (Affies), 6 Thabo Mabuza (Centurion), 5 Janse van Rensburg (Affies), 4 Hyron Andrews (Garsfontein), 3 Johan Bannink (Garsfontein), 2 Vean Roodt (Centurion), 1 Pierre Schoeman (Affies, c)
Subs: 16 François Steyn (Affies), 17 Dayan van der Westhuizen (Centurion), 18 Johan Ras (Centurion), 19 Bobby de Wee (Southdowns), 20 George-Lee Erasmus (Centurion), 21 Chad McKay (Centurion), 22 Marquit September (Garsfontein).

Pumas - 15 Lindelwe Zungu (Piet Retief), 14 Karabo Makola (HTS Witbank), 13 Wygie Johnstone (HTS Middelburg), 12 Donavan Gissing (Standerton), 11 Vincent Sibiya (Middelburg), 10 Brandon Thomson (Ermelo), 9 Jacobus Wolmarans (Hoërskool Middelburg), 8 Jano Venter (HTS Middelburg), 7 Daniel Maartens (Nelspruit), 6 Willandre Kotzenberg (HTS Middelburg), 5 Christopher van Leeuwen (Middelburg), 4 Thulane Mkhonto (Middelburg), 3 Ivan Gouws (Middelburg), 2 Wilmar Arnoldi (Ermelo), 1 JP Herbst (HTS Middelburg).
Subs: 16 Siphephelo Vilakazi (Piet Retief), 17 Philani Ngwato (Generaal Hertzog), 18 Michael Basson (HTS Middelburg), 19 Menzi Nhlabathi (Nelspruit), 20 Impi Visser (Ermelo), 21 Harabith Mojalefa (Standerton), 22 Abednigo Mashabane (HTS Middelburg).

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Griquas CD crush Border CD

Griquas Country Districts eased to a 38-5 win over Border Country Districts in day four’s opening game.

No 8 Jasper Wiese starred for Griquas CD as he grabbed a hat-trick. Speedster Johannes Lenge, lock Pieter Lategan and scrumhalf Shaun Crause crossed the chalk.

Border CD grabbed a consolation try via inside centre Sihle Gontshi.

Griquas CD 38 (19) – Tries: Jasper Wiese (3), Johannes Lenge, Pieter Lategan, Shaun Crause. Conversions: Dawid Burden (4).

Border CD 5 (5) - Try: Sihle Gontshi.

Griquas Country Districts – 15 Darrel de Wee (Upington HS), 14 Zanewyn Assegaai (Upington HS), 13 Jonathan Steenkamp (Upington HS), 12 Adriaan Uys (Upington HS), 11 Innocent Ngatajosi (Upington HS), 10 Dolf Burden (Duineveld), 9 Johan Lampbrecht (Duineveld), 8 Jasper Wiese (Upington HS), 7 Jacobus Conradie (Duineveld), 6 Sergio Jones (Upington HS), 5 Martin Gerber (Upington HS), 4 Pieter Lategan (Postmasburg), 3 Johan Barnard (Upington HS), 2 Hanro Visagie (Duineveld), 1 Jan-Hendrik van Wyk (Duineveld).
Subs: 16 Romario Mguini (Kalahari HS), 17 Julian Millford (Nababeeb), 18 Michael Pretorius (Duineveld), 19 Shandré Prince (Upington HS), 20 Shaun Crause (Upington HS), 21 Gavian Cloete (Concordia), 22 Johannes Lenge (Kathu).

Border Country Districts – 15 Sizwe Ncikana (Maclear), 14 Likona Madabane (Chief Henry Bokleni), 13 Inamandla Mpongwana (Ugie), 12 Sihle Gontshi (Qumbu), 11 Loyiso Mnwana (Indwe), 10 Lwazi Maqwelana (Dalibaso), 9 Chris Dyantyi (Maclear), 8 Sipho Tyali (Dalibaso), 7 Wandise Mtshingila (Chief Henry Bokleni), 6 Rixi Thabang (Dalibaso), 5 Nkosinathi Dila (Zimele), 4 Simanye Luzipo (Khunysa), 3 Thabo Ngcem (MHS), 2 Kwanele Ndywabasini (MHS), 1 Inga Mvumvu (Thomas Ntaba).
Subs: 16 Masonwabe Dingana (Zimele), 17 Mziwakhe Koyana (Chief Henry Bokleni), 18 Tevan Lehman (King Edward), 19 Buhle Nojekwa (Indwe), 20 Siphelele Mayaba (Zimele), 21 Vuyisanani Babula (Dalibaso), 22 Athenkosi Monakali (Chief Henry Bokleni).

LIMPOPO THRASH ZIM

Limpopo ran rampant in their 68-21 drubbing of Zimbabwe.

The victors ran in 10 tries for their victory, with three of them coming in the first half. A strong finish to the match saw another seven dotted down after the break.

Zimbabwe scored the first try of the match via scrumhalf Craig Bydawell, but they struggled thereafter against Limpopo’s juggernaut-like momentum. The African neighbours grabbed two consolation tries in the second half.

Limpopo 68 (21) – Tries: Andre Jordaan, Andries Welgemoed, Christopher Durow, Erick van Niekerk, Floyd Ndlovu, Johannes Smit, Marcel Scholtz, Matjikinyane Molapo, Righardt Phillip Kachelhoffer, Trevor Nkwamba. Conversions: Scholtz (5), James Vorster.

Zimbabwe 21 (7) - Tries: Craig Bydawell (2), Lance Chikodzi. Conversions: Brendon Mandivenga, Rukudzo Bandanga Gona (2).

Limpopo – 15 Marcel Scholtz (Ben Vorster), 14 Viljoen Dreyer (Ben Vorster), 13 Adrian Maebane (Ben Vorster), 12 Johannes Smit (Curro Heuwelkruin), 11 Matjikinyane Molapo (Ben Vorster), 10 James Vorster (Ben Vorster), 9 Righardt Kachelhoffer (Curro Heuwelkruin), 8 Leonardus Botha (Ben Vorster), 7 Christopher Durow (Ben Vorster), 6 Marthienus van den Berg (Frikkie Meyer), 5 Frederick van Niekerk (Ben Vorster), 4 Sipho Siboza (Frikkie Meyer), 3 Nicholas Khangale (Louis Trichardt), 2 Willem van Vuuren (Ben Vorster), 1 Trevor Nkwamba (Ben Vorster).
Subs: 16 Andre Jordaan (Frikkie Meyer), 17 Louis le Grange (Frikkie Meyer), 18 Rabelani Mukhuthu (Mereknsky), 19 Mlungisi Ntimane (Ben Vorster), 20 Andries Welgemoed (Ben Vorster), 21 Floyd Ndlovu (Tom Naudé), 22 Manuel Pinto (Ben Vorster).

Zimbabwe – 15 Russel Walder (Falcon College), 14 Ryan Hutchings (St John’s College), 13 Dale Gibbons (Falcon College), 12 Richard Watson (St John’s College), 11 Lance Chikodzi (St George’s College), 10 Rukudzo Gona (St John’s College), 9 Craig Bydawell (Falcon College), 8 Alva Senderayi (Falcon College), 7 Barend Moolman (Peterhouse), 6 Leroy Sibanda (Falcon College), 5 Shepherd Mhembere (Falcon College), 4 Ramba Chinyani (St John’s College), 3 Tapiwa Muringani (St John’s College), 2 Kingsley Reid (Falcon College), 1 Thabani Mujeni (St George’s College).
Subs: 16 Bart Zwart (St John’s College), 17 Nakai Mavimba (St John’s College), 18 Sebastian Roche (Hellenic), 19 Brandon Scheepers (Falcon College, 20 Brendon Mandivenga (Peterhouse), 21 Tarisai Musakanda (Prince Edward), 22 Bastien Mendelsohn (St John’s College).

GRIFFONS HOLD ON FOR VICTORY

Griffons fought off a potential EP Country Districts comeback as they held on for a 33-28 win.

Griffons delivered a strong first-half performance as they held on for a 19-6 win at the break. They then surged to 33 points in the second half, thanks to a brace from wing David Tippens.

But EP CD started breaking down the deficit as they scored four tries in the final 35. They had the momentum and were one score away from victory, however, the referee didn’t allow the restart as the final hooter blew as the Griffons players were returning to the halfway line.

Griffons 33 (19) - Tries: David Tippens (2), Dillon Afrika, Sechaba Matsoele. Conversions: David van Biljon (2). Penalties: Van Biljon (3).

EP CD 28 (5) – Tries: Chris Steyn, Emelio Koeberg, Glen van Pletzen, Tsepho Mabitsela. Conversion: Jason Vers. Penalties: Vers (2).

EP Country Districts – Ronnie Beyl (Marlow), Garrick Bowker (St Andrew’s), Dean Ferreira (Marlow), Jaco Ferreira (Marlow), Juandre Fourie (Marlow), Franco Janse van Rensburg (Volkskool Graaff-Reinet), Emelio Koeberg (Volkskool Graaff-Reinet), Sean Koeberg (Union High), CJ Lombard (Gill), JP Lundall (Winterberg), Luzuko Mafu (Adelaide Gym), Sintu Manjezi (St Andrew’s), Renaldo Meyer (Gill), James Moore (Union High), Nicholas Poone (Aliwal-Noord), Tsepho Ramalatsoa (Volkskool Graaff-Reinet), Chris Steyn (Cradock), Nelius van Heerden (Marlow), Glen van Pletzen (Aliwal-Noord), Tian van Rensburg (Volkskool Graaff-Reinet), Sean van Zyl (Marlow), Jason Vers (Union High).

Griffons – 15 Ethan Williams (Hentie Cilliers), 14 Callie van den Berg (Bothaville), 13 Christo Wessels (Voortrekker), 12 Shaun Reynolds (Goudveld), 11 David Tippens (Hentie Cilliers), 10 Francois van Biljon (AHS Kroonstad), 9 Itumoleng Moahloli (Gimnasium), 8 Oelof Stander (Voortrekker), 7 Jonick Schoeman (Gimnasium), 6 André Janse van Vuuren (Voortrekker), 5 Brandon Kuzatjke (Hentie Cilliers), 4 Matthew Erasmus (Welkom Gimnasium), 3 John-Otto Lonergan (Gimnasium), 2 Reinhardt Snyman (Hentie Cilliers), 1 Henco van der Westhuizen (Voortrekker). Replacements: 16 Brümmer Marais (Welkom Gimnasium), 17 Shevandré Prinsloo (Hentie Cilliers), 18 Natheer Isaacs (Hentie Cilliers), 19 Wade Coetzee (Hentie Cilliers), 20 Dillon Afrika (Hentie Cilliers), 21 Junior Smit (Voortrekker), 22 Sechaba Matsoeli (Voortrekker).

WP GET REVENGE

WP picked up a 39-33 win over SWD, avenging their warm-up defeat to the latter shortly before the tournament.

SWD were touted the surprise packages heading into this year’s Craven Week, and impressed on day one with a 46-18 triumph over Limpopo. However, a strong second-half showing saw WP down the young Eagles.

SWD looked the better side in the first half as they opened the scoring via flyhalf Dewald Human. WP hit back via wing Grant Hermanus, while fullback Jason Worrall kicked the conversion and a penalty.

SWD took the lead again as wing Duhan van der Merwe finished off another attacking move, before surrendering the advantage when WP scored on the stroke of half-time via robust flank Ramone Samuels.

The schoolboys from the Cape enjoyed a strong finish to the match as No 8 Rikus Bothma, props Wesley Adonis and Morne Nortje, and Worrall crossed the chalk. SWD narrowed the deficit with late tries, but didn’t have enough time to record a comeback.

WP 39 (15) – Tries: Wesley Adonis, Morne Nortje Rikus Bothma, Grant Hermanus, Ramone Samuels, Jason Worrall. Conversion: Worrall (3). Penalty: Worrall.

SWD 33 (14) – Tries: Dewald Human (2), Duhan van der Merwe (2), Leighton Eksteen. Conversions: Warrick Gelant (3), Human.

WP – 15 Jason Worrall (Paul Roos), 14 Dalen Goliath (Paul Roos), 13 Michael Hazner (Paul Roos), 12 Wesley Cupido (Paarl Gym), 11 G Hermanus (Paarl Gym), 10 Handre Pollard (Paarl Gym, c), 9 Pieter Schoonraad (Paarl Boys’), 8 Rikus Bothma (Paarl Gym), 7 Jacques Vermeulen (Paarl Gym), 6 Ramon Samuels (Paul Roos), 5 JD Schikerling (Paarl Gym), 4 Sebastian Ferreira (Paarl Boys’), 3 Liam Hendricks (Paarl Boys’), 2 Chad Solomon (Paul Roos), 1 M Nortje (Tygerberg).
Subs: 16 Craig Corbett (Paarl Boys’), 17 Wesley Adonis (Paarl Boys’), 18 Burger van Niekerk (Paarl Boys’), 19 Corne Cooper (Paarl Gym), 20 SP Ferreira (Paul Roos), 21 D Cox (Excelsior), 22 Keagan Gordon (Boland Landbou).

SWD – 15 Ganfried May (Oudtshoorn), 14 JP Coetzee (Oakdale), 13 D Januarie (Oudtshoorn – vice-captain), 12 W Gelant (Outeniqua), 11 D van der Merwe (Outeniqua), 10 D Human (Outeniqua), 9 R Malan (Outeniqua), 8 J Rudolph (Oakdale), 7 D van Vuuren (Outeniqua), 6 T Vermeulen (Outeniqua – captain), 5 J Schoeman (Outeniqua), 4 E Cloete (Outeniqua), 3 K van Schalkwyk (Oakdale), 2 R Steenkamp (Outeniqua), 1 M Oosthuizen (Outeniqua).
Subs:16 S Snyman (Oakdale), 17 S Grundlingh (Outeniqua), 18 J van Staaden (Oakdale), 19 G Malan (Outeniqua), 20 L Eksteen (Outeniqua), 21 D Schoeman (Outeniqua), 22 M Brïers (Oakdale).

KZN were considered the favourites to edge this result after their convincing showing against Free State on day one, which saw them win 48-24. The Lions were also disappointing during their 29-14 win over Border.

However, with the tournament rules forcing teams to give all their players a start, the changes KZN made caused disruption and they struggled for cohesion in this vital fixture. They also failed to find the attacking synergy they showed against Free State.

The Lions defended very well and dominated the collisions. The difference in size between the two teams was evident, as the schoolboys from Gauteng were much bigger than their opposition. This all set the platform for victory.

KZN were off to a positive start when flyhalf Rob Anderson kicked a 45m penalty to open the scores. But the Lions surged into the lead when hooker Malcolm Marx burst over to score a try, and flyhalf Jako van der Walt added the extras and a penalty.

KZN made it 10-8 before the break, thanks to the individual brilliance of fullback Jesse Kriel. The Maritzburg College speedster broke the Lions’ defence, then beat three covering defenders to collect his chip ahead with one hand to score. This will be remembered as the try of the tournament.

However, it was a frustrating second half for the day one heroes. KZN created more try-scoring opportunities, but failed to finish them because of the Lions’ firm defence and elementary errors at the set-pieces. Goal kicking also cost them as Anderson missed his three next attempts, while scrumhalf Cameron Wright pushed a long-range effort.

The Lions capitalised on this and sealed the win when tighthead prop Clinton Theron crashed over under the poles. The victors will now feature in their second consecutive unofficial final.

KZN – 15 Jesse Kriel (Maritzburg College), 14 Bruce Arnott (Michaelhouse), 13 Michael Mvelase (Michaelhouse), 12 Sandile Kubheka (Kearsney), 11 Corne Vermaak (Glenwood), 10 Rob Anderson (Michaelhouse), 9 Cameron Wright (Hilton), 8 Josh Moon (Michaelhouse), 7 Jean-Luc du Preez (Kearsney), 6 Carel Swart (Glenwood), 5 Daniel du Preez (Kearsney), 4 Justin Moberly (Michaelhouse), 3 Mvevo Khumalo (Maritzburg College), 2 Vuyo Khatide (Maritzburg College), 1 Pat Sikhosana (Port Shepstone).
Subs: 16 Steven Hardman (Michaelhouse), 17 Mzizi Zondi (Westville), 18 Sihle Nqxabi (Glenwood), 19 Michael van Aardt (Glenwood), 20 Mondli Nkosi (George Campbell), 21 Nkululeko Marwana (Glenwood), 22 Mthokozisi Makhabela (Glenwood).

Golden Lions – 15 Erwin Harris (Florida), 14 Surprise Mayekiso (KES), 13 Koch Marx (Alberton), 12 Innocent Radebe (St Stithians), 11 Allistar Mcquire (KES), 10 Jako van der Walt (Monument), 9 Bradley Janse van Rensburg (KES), 8 Revo Mabunda (Parktown Boys’), 7 Chris Massyn (Monument, c), 6 Ruan Mcdonald (Monument), 5 Victor Sekete (Monument), 4 Stefan Vermeulen (Queens), 3 Clinton theron (Florida), 2 Malcom Marx (KES), 1 Dylon Smith (KES).
Subs: 16 Emmanual Morowane (Jeppe), 17 Frans van Wyk (Monument), 18 Cyle Brink (KES), 19 Thapelo Rapelwane (St John’s), 20 Eric Botes (Florida), 21 Wanele maholwane (KES), 22 Barend Herbst (Monument).